Macintosh 128K: Difference between revisions
CSV import |
CSV import |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
[[File: | [[File:Early Macintosh Prototype Computer History Museum Mountain View California 2013-04-11 23-45.jpg|thumb]] [[File:Macintosh 128k transparency.png|thumb]] [[File:Steve Jobs and Macintosh computer, January 1984, by Bernard Gotfryd - edited.jpg|thumb]] [[File:AnOriginalMacintoshBackCaseUNALTEREDMACINTOSH.jpg|thumb]] {{Infobox computer | ||
| name = Macintosh 128K | | name = Macintosh 128K | ||
| developer = [[Apple Inc.]] | | developer = [[Apple Inc.]] | ||
| manufacturer = [[Apple Inc.]] | | manufacturer = [[Apple Inc.]] | ||
| type = [[Personal computer]] | | type = [[Personal computer]] | ||
| release date = | | release date = January 24, 1984 | ||
| introductory price = US$2,495 | |||
| discontinued = October 1, 1985 | | discontinued = October 1, 1985 | ||
| | | operating system = [[System Software 1.0]] | ||
| memory = 128 KB | | cpu = [[Motorola 68000]] @ 7.8336 MHz | ||
| storage = 400 KB | | memory = 128 KB RAM | ||
| display = 9-inch monochrome | | storage = 400 KB 3.5-inch floppy disk | ||
| graphics = | | display = 9-inch monochrome, 512 × 342 pixels | ||
| sound = 8-bit | | graphics = 22.8 kHz horizontal, 60.15 Hz vertical | ||
| sound = 8-bit mono | |||
| connectivity = [[RS-422]] | | connectivity = [[RS-422]] serial port | ||
}} | }} | ||
The '''Macintosh 128K''', originally released as the '''Apple Macintosh''', | The '''Macintosh 128K''', originally released as the '''Apple Macintosh''', was the first personal computer released by [[Apple Inc.]] in the Macintosh line. It was introduced on January 24, 1984, and was notable for its graphical user interface, which was a significant departure from the command-line interfaces of its contemporaries. | ||
== | == Development == | ||
The development of the Macintosh began in the late 1970s | The development of the Macintosh 128K began in the late 1970s, spearheaded by [[Jef Raskin]], an Apple employee who envisioned an easy-to-use, affordable computer for the average consumer. The project gained momentum when [[Steve Jobs]] took over and refocused the project on a graphical user interface, inspired by the work done at [[Xerox PARC]]. | ||
== | == Hardware == | ||
The Macintosh 128K | The Macintosh 128K was powered by a [[Motorola 68000]] microprocessor running at 7.8336 MHz. It had 128 KB of RAM, which was considered modest even at the time of its release. The computer featured a 9-inch monochrome display with a resolution of 512 × 342 pixels, which was integrated into the same case as the CPU and floppy disk drive. | ||
The | The system included a single 400 KB 3.5-inch floppy disk drive, which was a new technology at the time, offering greater reliability and storage capacity compared to the 5.25-inch floppy disks used by many other computers. | ||
== Software == | |||
The Macintosh 128K ran the [[System Software 1.0]], which included the [[Finder]], a file management system, and several applications such as [[MacPaint]] and [[MacWrite]]. These applications demonstrated the capabilities of the graphical user interface, allowing users to interact with the computer using a mouse and icons rather than text commands. | |||
== Impact == | == Impact == | ||
The Macintosh 128K | The introduction of the Macintosh 128K marked a significant shift in the personal computing industry. Its graphical user interface set a new standard for ease of use, influencing the design of future operating systems, including [[Microsoft Windows]]. The Macintosh also popularized the use of the mouse as an input device. | ||
Despite its innovative design, the Macintosh 128K faced challenges due to its limited memory and lack of software at launch. However, it laid the groundwork for future Macintosh models and established Apple as a leader in personal computing. | |||
== Legacy == | == Legacy == | ||
The Macintosh 128K | The Macintosh 128K is remembered as a pioneering product that introduced many users to the concept of a graphical user interface. It is often celebrated for its design and the impact it had on the computer industry. | ||
== | == Also see == | ||
* [[Apple | * [[Apple Lisa]] | ||
* [[Macintosh]] | * [[Macintosh Plus]] | ||
* [[System Software 1.0]] | |||
* [[Steve Jobs]] | * [[Steve Jobs]] | ||
* [[Graphical user interface]] | * [[Graphical user interface]] | ||
{{Apple computers}} | |||
[[Category:Apple Inc. hardware]] | [[Category:Apple Inc. hardware]] | ||
[[Category:Macintosh computers]] | [[Category:Macintosh computers]] | ||
[[Category:1984 introductions]] | [[Category:1984 introductions]] | ||
Latest revision as of 15:45, 9 December 2024
The Macintosh 128K, originally released as the Apple Macintosh, was the first personal computer released by Apple Inc. in the Macintosh line. It was introduced on January 24, 1984, and was notable for its graphical user interface, which was a significant departure from the command-line interfaces of its contemporaries.
Development[edit]
The development of the Macintosh 128K began in the late 1970s, spearheaded by Jef Raskin, an Apple employee who envisioned an easy-to-use, affordable computer for the average consumer. The project gained momentum when Steve Jobs took over and refocused the project on a graphical user interface, inspired by the work done at Xerox PARC.
Hardware[edit]
The Macintosh 128K was powered by a Motorola 68000 microprocessor running at 7.8336 MHz. It had 128 KB of RAM, which was considered modest even at the time of its release. The computer featured a 9-inch monochrome display with a resolution of 512 × 342 pixels, which was integrated into the same case as the CPU and floppy disk drive.
The system included a single 400 KB 3.5-inch floppy disk drive, which was a new technology at the time, offering greater reliability and storage capacity compared to the 5.25-inch floppy disks used by many other computers.
Software[edit]
The Macintosh 128K ran the System Software 1.0, which included the Finder, a file management system, and several applications such as MacPaint and MacWrite. These applications demonstrated the capabilities of the graphical user interface, allowing users to interact with the computer using a mouse and icons rather than text commands.
Impact[edit]
The introduction of the Macintosh 128K marked a significant shift in the personal computing industry. Its graphical user interface set a new standard for ease of use, influencing the design of future operating systems, including Microsoft Windows. The Macintosh also popularized the use of the mouse as an input device.
Despite its innovative design, the Macintosh 128K faced challenges due to its limited memory and lack of software at launch. However, it laid the groundwork for future Macintosh models and established Apple as a leader in personal computing.
Legacy[edit]
The Macintosh 128K is remembered as a pioneering product that introduced many users to the concept of a graphical user interface. It is often celebrated for its design and the impact it had on the computer industry.
